Expert: Justin Choo - 1/24/2012

Question
Hello Mr. Choo,

I have a couple questions concerning your specific form of Buddhism. I ask these, not as a seeker of the truth, but as a Christian student needing to get a grade in his class.

My first question is sort of a history question: Do you believe that the Buddha is a god? or do you follow his own teaching that stats otherwise?

I want to also know how you interact with other major religions, such as my own.

Given that I feel that your path is wrong, what would you offer as proof of your beliefs?

Do you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Why or Why not?

Answer
Hi Bryan,

I like your questions.  They are very typical of those asked by other faiths who are not familiar wih Buddhist thinking.

"Do you believe that the Buddha is a god? or do you follow his own teaching that stats otherwise?"
In the first place you are assuming that what you have been taught to believe are that of mine too. Buddha was not a god. So your question is a non-issue. He shared his understanding of life and existence with those who wish to listen.   


"I want to also know how you interact with other major religions, such as my own."
You believe in what you want to believe.  I can live with this, provided you allow me to belief in what I choose to believe.  "Live and let live". Then there is no problem at all.


"Given that I feel that your path is wrong, what would you offer as proof of your beliefs?"
I am not interested to influence what you want to believe. I do not wish to prove to you.  I will be wasting my invaluable time and yours too in pursuit of foolish debate. If you think that my path is wrong, it is wise to respect the other's belief, and to main an elegant silence.  This is the mark of a truly wise and spiritual person.

"Do you celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Why or Why not?"
Why should I celebrate them? I am a Buddhist. By the way, you are again assuming that other people around the world must know about Christmas and Thanksgiving.  You would be surprised that billions of people in Asia don't know what Thanksgiving is.  Do you celebrate Wesak, Chinese New Year, and a thousand and one Asian events which you most probably have not heard of?  Why and why not?
On a lighter note, I even give Christmas gift to my son-in-law, and join in the Christmas mood. Do you know, Christmas has now become very commercial?

Please take care of yourself, and be happy.

Regards,
Justin Choo